In my previous employment I was claiming head of household.

Spending months on end to have the deal fall apart at the last minute.

Spend most of your time searching and making direct contact with the source.

I decided to hire a developer because every minute that I'm spending learning how to code is a minute I'm losing selling.

For example, with gross income of $100k, you spend 92k of it on expenses, including employees. 

Are you someone who has zero alternative income, and simply 10K in your checking account looking to spend it all? 

What are the deferred maintenance items, and not only their projected costs but also time frames (will you be spending $20k on cap ex in the next 3 months that could push you over the edge financially)?  

(If I am adding a closet or removing a wall I will hire a GC.)This system works for me because I only do one house at a time as a side gig, but for folks who want to make this their full time occupation they may want to spend their time finding deals and let someone else do all the work. 

All your questions- Type of mortgage, location, tenants, etc. really depend on your specific situation, what you are comfortable with, how you are going to manage the property, how much time you have to spend on this effort, etc.

I would say you just need to spend a little more time vetting them in Somersworth, but honestly we were able to weed most out just with the first phone call.